Being passed between GP and School. Son not coping.

Hi Elaine, sorry to hear about your situation. As a mother of a similar aged boy with similar issues, I can relate to your post.  Caring for autistic children does take it's toll. In fact I was reading a paper about the sadness mothers of autistic children experience. I do feel depressed or rather helpless many days.  The fact that we cannot help our bright kids lead a normal life can feel very draining.

 Does your child have a formal diagnosis of ASD?  I'm surprised that the school and GP are refusing to refer your son to Child mental health services.  You can make self referral too. Please do search for local mental health services online and make a self referral. It does take 16 to 18 weeks to see a psychologist, but they do offer support quicker if the child is self harming or hurting siblings. It may also be worth calling social services to see if they can do an assessment for you as a carer.  Also keep emailing the school SENCO about your son's behaviour at home and how he if finding school life hard.  GPs can be quite stubborn when it comes to referrals, but if keep persisting.

I think the reason why they call it the spectrum is because  one child's autistic symptoms may be so different to another's. However, there are some things which help most high functioning autistic kids such as online gaming, exercise and working on their intense interests.  We have an indoor rebounder (trampoline) which helps with the movement and let off steam.

My son loves playing Roblox. We let him play first thing in the morning; it gives him instant gratification.  Mindfulness also helps with some kids. 

Please also refer yourself to talk therapy if you are feeling so down. You can search online. Most areas offer talk therapy. It's over the phone I think.  Bringing up autistic kids can feel very isolating.  Not everyone understands the condition.

Please do look after yourself; we need to be strong for the sake of our very vulnerable kids.

Nicki

Hi Elaine, sorry to hear about your situation. As a mother of a similar aged boy with similar issues, I can relate to your post.  Caring for autistic children does take it's toll. In fact I was reading a paper about the sadness mothers of autistic children experience. I do feel depressed or rather helpless many days.  The fact that we cannot help our bright kids lead a normal life can feel very draining.

 Does your child have a formal diagnosis of ASD?  I'm surprised that the school and GP are refusing to refer your son to Child mental health services.  You can make self referral too. Please do search for local mental health services online and make a self referral. It does take 16 to 18 weeks to see a psychologist, but they do offer support quicker if the child is self harming or hurting siblings. It may also be worth calling social services to see if they can do an assessment for you as a carer.  Also keep emailing the school SENCO about your son's behaviour at home and how he if finding school life hard.  GPs can be quite stubborn when it comes to referrals, but if keep persisting.

I think the reason why they call it the spectrum is because  one child's autistic symptoms may be so different to another's. However, there are some things which help most high functioning autistic kids such as online gaming, exercise and working on their intense interests.  We have an indoor rebounder (trampoline) which helps with the movement and let off steam.

My son loves playing Roblox. We let him play first thing in the morning; it gives him instant gratification.  Mindfulness also helps with some kids. 

Please also refer yourself to talk therapy if you are feeling so down. You can search online. Most areas offer talk therapy. It's over the phone I think.  Bringing up autistic kids can feel very isolating.  Not everyone understands the condition.

Please do look after yourself; we need to be strong for the sake of our very vulnerable kids.

Nicki